Britomart East, Auckland

1It’s not overstating the case to say that Auckland’s Britomart complex is one of the most important and high-profile developments in Auckland – and New Zealand. At Britomart, people experience new buildings harmonising with our treasured heritage structures in an environment that is distinctly ‘Kiwi’: a genuinely world class destination in a city fast becoming world class.

2Holmes Consulting has provided the structural engineering for all of the significant developments in the $500m Britomart precinct for more than a decade. We’ve been a common link across the various Britomart projects, delivering innovative, high-value designs that have made a major contribution to the compelling Britomart atmosphere.

3The scale and complexity of the Britomart carpark project and the ever-changing masterplan required adaptability, innovation and perseverance. New design iterations needed to reduce cost, at the same time as maintaining functionality and integrity to the design vision. Our Low Damage Design included post-tensioned concrete solution optimised column grids, as well as reducing the amount of concrete required, allowing an extra floor to fit under the strict height covenant. The structural depth of 300mm is one of the thinnest in any building of this scale and scope in the country, and Britomart Oriental is the largest commercial post tensioned structure in New Zealand.

4From a structural point of view, this is a building that will stand the test of time, both in terms of design integrity and longevity. While there was inevitable compromise and evolution along the way as needs (and budgets) changed, elbow grease, technical horsepower and the buzz of contributing to Auckland’s nationally and internationally recognised Britomart development kept the project on track.